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Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Trusting a Warrior (Loving a Warrior #3) in Books
Nov 26, 2020
Hansen can grab you, by the heart strings, and drag you kicking and screaming through every single emotion known to man
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Loving A Warrior, and I STRONGLY suggest you read both books one, Loving A Warrior, and book 2, Keeping A Warrior, before you read this one. There is much referenced here that is not fully recapped. And you know, cos I said so! Both are 5 star reads.
As is this one!
Lani meets Geo on possibly the worst day of her life. Geo's ain't much better. Together they begin to navigate a relationship, while dealing with a huge amount of grief at the death of their loved ones.
Hansen has a knack of roping you in, pulling you close, and not letting you go. She can grab you, by the heart strings, and drag you kicking and screaming through every single emotion known to man, and then expect you to write a coherent review after!
I mean, I loved this book, I really did. It carries some difficult story lines, but again, Ms Hansen delivers them in a way that you cannot fault. Grief is a fickle thing, and everyone deals with that differently. I know, my sister and I dealt with my mother and father's death very different, but there is no right or wrong way. Here, Lani's grief is a decade old, but she still suffers. Geo's is much fresher, and it's HIS pain that hit me the most.
I have no personal experience of war, or those who serve. I can only imagine the horrors that are presented on a daily basis. It's to be expected that some will struggle with that, but put on a "brave face" The way Hansen describes Geo's grief and his own spiral downwards is heartbreaking, it really is. Only his relationship with Lani saves him.
I loved how the others in this series; Matt and Shane and Rhys and Devon, play a huge part here. I loved that Devon and Lani become such good friends, even if Lani is Rhys' ex.
What I want to know now, Ms Hansen, is this! Will we be privvy to want happened in Keeping A Warrior, and here, to Matt and Shane?? Cos let me tell ya, I does NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know! We get an inkling of what Matt suffers here, but not enough. So, please, write a followup!
Love, love LOVED the epilogue! And I loved Bosch, Geo's military dog.
I can't, in any honesty, give this book any less than. . .
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the Loving A Warrior, and I STRONGLY suggest you read both books one, Loving A Warrior, and book 2, Keeping A Warrior, before you read this one. There is much referenced here that is not fully recapped. And you know, cos I said so! Both are 5 star reads.
As is this one!
Lani meets Geo on possibly the worst day of her life. Geo's ain't much better. Together they begin to navigate a relationship, while dealing with a huge amount of grief at the death of their loved ones.
Hansen has a knack of roping you in, pulling you close, and not letting you go. She can grab you, by the heart strings, and drag you kicking and screaming through every single emotion known to man, and then expect you to write a coherent review after!
I mean, I loved this book, I really did. It carries some difficult story lines, but again, Ms Hansen delivers them in a way that you cannot fault. Grief is a fickle thing, and everyone deals with that differently. I know, my sister and I dealt with my mother and father's death very different, but there is no right or wrong way. Here, Lani's grief is a decade old, but she still suffers. Geo's is much fresher, and it's HIS pain that hit me the most.
I have no personal experience of war, or those who serve. I can only imagine the horrors that are presented on a daily basis. It's to be expected that some will struggle with that, but put on a "brave face" The way Hansen describes Geo's grief and his own spiral downwards is heartbreaking, it really is. Only his relationship with Lani saves him.
I loved how the others in this series; Matt and Shane and Rhys and Devon, play a huge part here. I loved that Devon and Lani become such good friends, even if Lani is Rhys' ex.
What I want to know now, Ms Hansen, is this! Will we be privvy to want happened in Keeping A Warrior, and here, to Matt and Shane?? Cos let me tell ya, I does NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know! We get an inkling of what Matt suffers here, but not enough. So, please, write a followup!
Love, love LOVED the epilogue! And I loved Bosch, Geo's military dog.
I can't, in any honesty, give this book any less than. . .
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated In Safe Keeping (Heroes and Babies #2) in Books
Sep 3, 2019
excellent follow up!
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the Heroes and Babies series, but you do NOT need to have read book one, In Safe Hands, before you read this one. There is (or I didn’t pick it up) no relation between the two books, save the Hero and the Baby! But I recommend you do read it, because its bloody brilliant!
Lucas couldn’t save his son, who died in a fire 3 years ago, but saving Owen and baby Mia goes a little way to help. But Owen in clearly running, from what Lucas doesn’t know. His protective instincts are out the roof for Owen and Mia, and Lucas will do anything to keep them safe.
Book one got me out of a bit of a book funk and blew me away, and book two did too!
Lucas’ pain isn’t immediate obvious, and it takes time for the full picture to become clear. I mean, two thirds of the book before you get it ALL laid out for you! And not everything is how you think it’s gonna be! Love being kept on my toes.
The attraction Lucas has for Owen is also slow to become clear, sort of sneaking up on him. While Lucas was married to a woman, he doesn’t question his attraction to Owen, and just runs with it.
Owen’s pain is equally slow in coming out, and it’s not easy reading, not at all. Owen’s attraction to Lucas is powerful, but Owen questions whether that is just the situation, rather than anything real. When they finally get to the “good stuff” though, Owen knows who he wants, he just hopes Lucas feels the same.
Because of the creeping up on Lucas thing, it is not especially explicit, but then again, it doesn’t need to be. It is hot though, it just takes a long time, right till nearly the end of the book!
Again, we get to hear from the bad guy, although said bad guy isn’t quite as bad as one would think, just a man in a really bad place. It is quite graphic, the level of violence that occurs but I think the IS needed, for Owen’s fright to be fully explained, for you to understand what it is he is running from.
Both have guys a say, and you know that makes me happy! I wasn’t sure if Owen would, at first, but he does. Both voices are different, and well written.
I am, currently, listening to book one, and I was hearing Michael Pauley narrate this, so I would hope he does narrate this as well as he does book one!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in the Heroes and Babies series, but you do NOT need to have read book one, In Safe Hands, before you read this one. There is (or I didn’t pick it up) no relation between the two books, save the Hero and the Baby! But I recommend you do read it, because its bloody brilliant!
Lucas couldn’t save his son, who died in a fire 3 years ago, but saving Owen and baby Mia goes a little way to help. But Owen in clearly running, from what Lucas doesn’t know. His protective instincts are out the roof for Owen and Mia, and Lucas will do anything to keep them safe.
Book one got me out of a bit of a book funk and blew me away, and book two did too!
Lucas’ pain isn’t immediate obvious, and it takes time for the full picture to become clear. I mean, two thirds of the book before you get it ALL laid out for you! And not everything is how you think it’s gonna be! Love being kept on my toes.
The attraction Lucas has for Owen is also slow to become clear, sort of sneaking up on him. While Lucas was married to a woman, he doesn’t question his attraction to Owen, and just runs with it.
Owen’s pain is equally slow in coming out, and it’s not easy reading, not at all. Owen’s attraction to Lucas is powerful, but Owen questions whether that is just the situation, rather than anything real. When they finally get to the “good stuff” though, Owen knows who he wants, he just hopes Lucas feels the same.
Because of the creeping up on Lucas thing, it is not especially explicit, but then again, it doesn’t need to be. It is hot though, it just takes a long time, right till nearly the end of the book!
Again, we get to hear from the bad guy, although said bad guy isn’t quite as bad as one would think, just a man in a really bad place. It is quite graphic, the level of violence that occurs but I think the IS needed, for Owen’s fright to be fully explained, for you to understand what it is he is running from.
Both have guys a say, and you know that makes me happy! I wasn’t sure if Owen would, at first, but he does. Both voices are different, and well written.
I am, currently, listening to book one, and I was hearing Michael Pauley narrate this, so I would hope he does narrate this as well as he does book one!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Take The Shot (Philadelphia Bulldogs #1) in Books
Jun 9, 2020
really good read x
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sometimes, you just need a book that you just fall into, losing all around you, and reading about 2 people falling in love. And this is such a book.
Dinah lost her husband 2 years ago. Moving on seemed like a good idea, and a bad one, all at the same time. Her neighbour provides some eye candy, but he is so much younger than she is and she doesn't think he would want anything other than friendship. Noah lives in the next door apartment. Noah has lusted over Dinah for ages, but she was married, then widowed. He wasn't gonna make a move til she was ready. If she never did, he would be heartbroken, but he would rather have Dinah as a friend, than not at all.
This is a delightful read! I'm not the greatest fan of first person books, I make no secret of that, but I really rather loved this one!
Noah, bless him, 22 years old, lusts after Dinah, has done since he met her. But he kept it to himself, she was married. And after he died, he found himself helping her in more ways than he ever expected. But he waited, he WAS waiting for Dinah. Waiting for her to let him know she was ready to move on. He would wait, however long it took. Til his housemates gave him an ultimatum: Ask her out, or one of them would. They could see what Noah could not, that Dinah was lusting after Noah as much as Noah lusted after her. They just had to act on it.
And it is wonderful when they do! Yes, the attraction is powerful and hot, but there is much emotion here, not just steamy sex. There is much between these two, BEFORE they get to the bedroom, which would be spoilers to explain. And I really found those bits far better than the sexy bits, but thats not to say the sexy bits aren't good :-p
There is a supporting cast who have their own problems, and I hope they all get their story in this series.
The hockey bits, I will admit, I tended to flip over, but then something happened in one and I had to go back, so, yeah, I actually read the hockey bits after that!
There are a couple of lines that are repeated, more times than was really necessary. BUT! I've seen that this is the author's first book, so I'm not really complaining, I'm just saying!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, so for a first time author? Well done, Ms Flynn, very well done.
4 good solid stars
**same worded revivew will appear elsewhere**
Sometimes, you just need a book that you just fall into, losing all around you, and reading about 2 people falling in love. And this is such a book.
Dinah lost her husband 2 years ago. Moving on seemed like a good idea, and a bad one, all at the same time. Her neighbour provides some eye candy, but he is so much younger than she is and she doesn't think he would want anything other than friendship. Noah lives in the next door apartment. Noah has lusted over Dinah for ages, but she was married, then widowed. He wasn't gonna make a move til she was ready. If she never did, he would be heartbroken, but he would rather have Dinah as a friend, than not at all.
This is a delightful read! I'm not the greatest fan of first person books, I make no secret of that, but I really rather loved this one!
Noah, bless him, 22 years old, lusts after Dinah, has done since he met her. But he kept it to himself, she was married. And after he died, he found himself helping her in more ways than he ever expected. But he waited, he WAS waiting for Dinah. Waiting for her to let him know she was ready to move on. He would wait, however long it took. Til his housemates gave him an ultimatum: Ask her out, or one of them would. They could see what Noah could not, that Dinah was lusting after Noah as much as Noah lusted after her. They just had to act on it.
And it is wonderful when they do! Yes, the attraction is powerful and hot, but there is much emotion here, not just steamy sex. There is much between these two, BEFORE they get to the bedroom, which would be spoilers to explain. And I really found those bits far better than the sexy bits, but thats not to say the sexy bits aren't good :-p
There is a supporting cast who have their own problems, and I hope they all get their story in this series.
The hockey bits, I will admit, I tended to flip over, but then something happened in one and I had to go back, so, yeah, I actually read the hockey bits after that!
There are a couple of lines that are repeated, more times than was really necessary. BUT! I've seen that this is the author's first book, so I'm not really complaining, I'm just saying!
A thoroughly enjoyable read, so for a first time author? Well done, Ms Flynn, very well done.
4 good solid stars
**same worded revivew will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated The Problem (Single Dad Support Group #1) in Books
May 30, 2020
bloody LOVED this!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted the audio version of this book.
I'm turning this review on it's head, writing about the narrator first, cos, you know, I can, it's my review :-)
Michael Ferraiuolo has been a bit of an enigma for me, I either love his work, or hate it, I won't lie. But THIS time? I freaking LOVED it!
Alex has synesthesia, which means he sees his emotions in colour. The whole book, Alex was seeing how Laurence was affecting him, and he wasn't sure what it meant. The best bits of this book were when Alex was describing his colours/emotions, to Laurence, to himself. I have no doubt I would not have been so moved by those scenes, had I READ this book. Ferraiuolo nails it, he really does. Moved me to tears in places!
Laurence is solid, a good man, with his 16 year old son, Matthew. I liked how, very quicky, he was wanting more from Alex, not just for the sex(but PHEW!) no. But MORE. He has lived his life for his son, and in one meeting, Alex makes him see that he still has life to live, that he does not have to been locked away. Matthew is growing, making *quite literally* a life for himself. Laurence needs Alex, and rapidly, Alex sees that he needs Laurence too.
I loved the voices given to all the characters, but I especially enjoyed the voices given to the Support Group when they were chatting. It annoyed me a little bit at first, I will admit, but once I got used to the way the group chats were delivered, I loved them.
When the reason Alex behaved the way he did, before Laurence, becomes clear, I was out walking. And I stopped in the middle of the street, and cried. And cried to whole way through that bit. THEN, when other things happen?? I stopped in the middle of the street, and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO came out my mouth, so loud, the woman across the road shouted to see if I was okay! I did NOT see that coming at me, no way, never in a million years!
So, yeah, loved the book, and loved the narration.
And now I'm left with a bit of a pickle! This is the only one of the series that is available in AUDIO, the books are out, all 6, but I don't like to flip from listening to reading in a series (or vice versa) So my pickle is, do I READ the next one? Or do I wait (im)patiently for the next one in audio? ARGH! Such decisions!
5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm turning this review on it's head, writing about the narrator first, cos, you know, I can, it's my review :-)
Michael Ferraiuolo has been a bit of an enigma for me, I either love his work, or hate it, I won't lie. But THIS time? I freaking LOVED it!
Alex has synesthesia, which means he sees his emotions in colour. The whole book, Alex was seeing how Laurence was affecting him, and he wasn't sure what it meant. The best bits of this book were when Alex was describing his colours/emotions, to Laurence, to himself. I have no doubt I would not have been so moved by those scenes, had I READ this book. Ferraiuolo nails it, he really does. Moved me to tears in places!
Laurence is solid, a good man, with his 16 year old son, Matthew. I liked how, very quicky, he was wanting more from Alex, not just for the sex(but PHEW!) no. But MORE. He has lived his life for his son, and in one meeting, Alex makes him see that he still has life to live, that he does not have to been locked away. Matthew is growing, making *quite literally* a life for himself. Laurence needs Alex, and rapidly, Alex sees that he needs Laurence too.
I loved the voices given to all the characters, but I especially enjoyed the voices given to the Support Group when they were chatting. It annoyed me a little bit at first, I will admit, but once I got used to the way the group chats were delivered, I loved them.
When the reason Alex behaved the way he did, before Laurence, becomes clear, I was out walking. And I stopped in the middle of the street, and cried. And cried to whole way through that bit. THEN, when other things happen?? I stopped in the middle of the street, and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO came out my mouth, so loud, the woman across the road shouted to see if I was okay! I did NOT see that coming at me, no way, never in a million years!
So, yeah, loved the book, and loved the narration.
And now I'm left with a bit of a pickle! This is the only one of the series that is available in AUDIO, the books are out, all 6, but I don't like to flip from listening to reading in a series (or vice versa) So my pickle is, do I READ the next one? Or do I wait (im)patiently for the next one in audio? ARGH! Such decisions!
5 stars for the book
5 stars for the narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Tor (The Hawks #4) in Books
Dec 3, 2021
this series gets better and better!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the hawks Series and you really SHOULD read Tristan, Val and Mathos before this one. There is an ongoing story arc through these books and much is not fully recapped.
Tor took a shine to Keeley when he rescued her from Ballinor's grip. They have chemistry but it takes time for them to give in to that. Tor, the big Apollyon that he is, messes up BIGTIME and more than once. Keeley takes everything he says direct to her heart, but it's only later she realises that she has taken things all out of context and now what is she supposed to do?!
It was clear, from the moment we met Keeley in book 2, I think she pops up in, that she and Tor were made for each other. Having the story from THEIR points of view, makes you see things so much clearer.
It took me a while to piece together what Keeley was trying to say, I was so engrossed in the story I think I forgot to read, if that makes sense! *note to self, pay attention!
Keeley is hurting for much of the book, in one way or another, and not always due to Tor and his way with words. You feel for her, deeply. you don't know it all at once and I do love waiting for things to become clear. Tor's pain is different but his is pretty much laid out for you, right from the start. The beginning few chapters of this book run alongside the other three books. Indeed, in book3, Mathos, we know Tor did something bad. Now we know what!
We meet the next leading lady here. I'm not 100% certain about her yet, and what she has to say will be interesting, given who she is, and how Tor and Keeley came upto her. There is much she has to say. And Reece! Who still thinks everything is his fault and is currently drinking his beast into silence. He also has a lot to say, and I can't wait to hear him.
But what's keeping me the most gripped with this series is this: I cannot see where it's all going! Things are changing so fast from book to book, and I really can't see an end in sight and I love that!
How many are there? I've no idea! A couple of the guys have been lurking in the background, doing what needs to be done and popping up along the way. I want them ALL to be happy, and it will be interesting how they get there.
I stress again, write quicker Ms Roberts. Write. Quicker!
5 full and shiny stars
This is book 4 in the hawks Series and you really SHOULD read Tristan, Val and Mathos before this one. There is an ongoing story arc through these books and much is not fully recapped.
Tor took a shine to Keeley when he rescued her from Ballinor's grip. They have chemistry but it takes time for them to give in to that. Tor, the big Apollyon that he is, messes up BIGTIME and more than once. Keeley takes everything he says direct to her heart, but it's only later she realises that she has taken things all out of context and now what is she supposed to do?!
It was clear, from the moment we met Keeley in book 2, I think she pops up in, that she and Tor were made for each other. Having the story from THEIR points of view, makes you see things so much clearer.
It took me a while to piece together what Keeley was trying to say, I was so engrossed in the story I think I forgot to read, if that makes sense! *note to self, pay attention!
Keeley is hurting for much of the book, in one way or another, and not always due to Tor and his way with words. You feel for her, deeply. you don't know it all at once and I do love waiting for things to become clear. Tor's pain is different but his is pretty much laid out for you, right from the start. The beginning few chapters of this book run alongside the other three books. Indeed, in book3, Mathos, we know Tor did something bad. Now we know what!
We meet the next leading lady here. I'm not 100% certain about her yet, and what she has to say will be interesting, given who she is, and how Tor and Keeley came upto her. There is much she has to say. And Reece! Who still thinks everything is his fault and is currently drinking his beast into silence. He also has a lot to say, and I can't wait to hear him.
But what's keeping me the most gripped with this series is this: I cannot see where it's all going! Things are changing so fast from book to book, and I really can't see an end in sight and I love that!
How many are there? I've no idea! A couple of the guys have been lurking in the background, doing what needs to be done and popping up along the way. I want them ALL to be happy, and it will be interesting how they get there.
I stress again, write quicker Ms Roberts. Write. Quicker!
5 full and shiny stars
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Marvin (Assassin's To Order #1) in Books
Mar 10, 2023
did not see the DNA twist coming!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This s a spin series, from the Tangled Tentacles series. While not necessary to have read all 5 books, you should at least read book 5, Kelvin. But then again, I said in my review for THAT book, you need to read them all first, so read them all, then!
We met Marvin in Kelvin's book. He surprised everyone, even me. I loved his sweet nature then, his fierce protectiveness of all the Thalassa babies and of those boys who are still missing. It's one of those boys, Ajani, who especially calls to Marvin. Given as Ajani is his soul mate, hardly surprising, but what did surprise me was how little Ajani thought of himself, how he thinks that MArvin does not deserve someone like him.
The lost boys have been trained as assassins. And that's all they know. Revealing themselves, as they are being called to do, opens a whole can of worms no one saw coming, least of all Marvin but he rallies and manages to keep Ajani and the others safe for a time. What that does do, though, it put a target on Marvin's head. Finding out WHO becomes everyone's sole focus.
I loved who all the Thalassa Kracken are here, along with their mates and the babies!
I did NOT see the twist as to what Marvin's DNA might contain, til that was thrown at me!
Marvin and Ajani's tale is a tad sweeter than the Thalassa books, but mostly cos of Marvin. Changing it a smexier book would lose a little of the sweetness Marvin brings to this world and I'd hate that. It is a little darker too, if that makes any sense. These boys are trained assassins and they make no bones about it. It's talked about, what they do and you need to know that.
The epilogue leads very nicely into book 2, as all these books do.
HOWEVER!
Something was missing for me, and Sayle has a knack of serious pushing my book brain with questions, questions, SO MANY FREAKING QUESTIONS! I can't voice those questions either and it equally pisses me off and strives me to dig deeper in my book brain to get them out! I said, in a review for another of Sayle's books " If I cannot voice the questions, how can the author answer them??"
And that's exactly what we have here. Something was missing and I gotta dig DEEP to figure out what.
Still, a very engaging read, that kept me fully engrossed for the whole single sitting I read it in.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This s a spin series, from the Tangled Tentacles series. While not necessary to have read all 5 books, you should at least read book 5, Kelvin. But then again, I said in my review for THAT book, you need to read them all first, so read them all, then!
We met Marvin in Kelvin's book. He surprised everyone, even me. I loved his sweet nature then, his fierce protectiveness of all the Thalassa babies and of those boys who are still missing. It's one of those boys, Ajani, who especially calls to Marvin. Given as Ajani is his soul mate, hardly surprising, but what did surprise me was how little Ajani thought of himself, how he thinks that MArvin does not deserve someone like him.
The lost boys have been trained as assassins. And that's all they know. Revealing themselves, as they are being called to do, opens a whole can of worms no one saw coming, least of all Marvin but he rallies and manages to keep Ajani and the others safe for a time. What that does do, though, it put a target on Marvin's head. Finding out WHO becomes everyone's sole focus.
I loved who all the Thalassa Kracken are here, along with their mates and the babies!
I did NOT see the twist as to what Marvin's DNA might contain, til that was thrown at me!
Marvin and Ajani's tale is a tad sweeter than the Thalassa books, but mostly cos of Marvin. Changing it a smexier book would lose a little of the sweetness Marvin brings to this world and I'd hate that. It is a little darker too, if that makes any sense. These boys are trained assassins and they make no bones about it. It's talked about, what they do and you need to know that.
The epilogue leads very nicely into book 2, as all these books do.
HOWEVER!
Something was missing for me, and Sayle has a knack of serious pushing my book brain with questions, questions, SO MANY FREAKING QUESTIONS! I can't voice those questions either and it equally pisses me off and strives me to dig deeper in my book brain to get them out! I said, in a review for another of Sayle's books " If I cannot voice the questions, how can the author answer them??"
And that's exactly what we have here. Something was missing and I gotta dig DEEP to figure out what.
Still, a very engaging read, that kept me fully engrossed for the whole single sitting I read it in.
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
West really puts your emotions through the wringer!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
There are 2 things I love most about reviewing: finding new to me authors with extensive back lists, and finding brand NEW authors, who smash it out the park. THIS book falls in the latter category.
I fell into this book, and did not come up for air for better part of 3 hours! I didn't move, eat or drink, I was that engrossed in this.
Finn is a soldier, modified to be the perfect assassin. A chance meeting with Kathleen, an undercover cop who tries to save his intended target, and Finn begins to question everything. When Kathleen then becomes a target, Finn disobeys a direct order for the first time.
What I loved about this, was Finn really can't see what has been done to him, until Kathleen points it out. Oh he KNOWS he's been modified, and can be 'reset' at any time, but he doesn't really SEE, you know? Kathleen makes him SEE, makes him wonder about who he was before, about FINN, rather than The Hound, his handle.
There are multi layers to this, and I loved that. I was kept on my toes right from the start and right through the book, that didn't let up.
It's dark, yes. On page assassinations, and violence, but it was needed for the bigger picture to be clear. Although, I'm sure there is a MUCH bigger picture that fully isn't clear yet!
Once Finn started to remember, I loved that he let himself go with Kathleen. He fully gave himself to Kathleen and took what she offered him and I cheered for them at that point.
THEN!! West does what she does and I cried, cos I wasn't sure that Finn could come back from that. He does, and I cheered again. But West puts your emotions through a wringer!!
I only really have a niggle, and it is a niggle cos I'm greedy like that! I would have liked a bit more information about what was done to Finn. We get that he is put through some vigarous mind washing, and genetic modifications, and we get all that but I wanted it in more detail. I wanted to go through that with Finn. Maybe I'm kinda twisted but I wanted to feel his pain, to fully appreciate what he's been through.
Apollo is another soldier who pops up here. I am assuming he will be next and I really hope I get to read it!
4 very VERY good stars, but very well done Ms West!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
There are 2 things I love most about reviewing: finding new to me authors with extensive back lists, and finding brand NEW authors, who smash it out the park. THIS book falls in the latter category.
I fell into this book, and did not come up for air for better part of 3 hours! I didn't move, eat or drink, I was that engrossed in this.
Finn is a soldier, modified to be the perfect assassin. A chance meeting with Kathleen, an undercover cop who tries to save his intended target, and Finn begins to question everything. When Kathleen then becomes a target, Finn disobeys a direct order for the first time.
What I loved about this, was Finn really can't see what has been done to him, until Kathleen points it out. Oh he KNOWS he's been modified, and can be 'reset' at any time, but he doesn't really SEE, you know? Kathleen makes him SEE, makes him wonder about who he was before, about FINN, rather than The Hound, his handle.
There are multi layers to this, and I loved that. I was kept on my toes right from the start and right through the book, that didn't let up.
It's dark, yes. On page assassinations, and violence, but it was needed for the bigger picture to be clear. Although, I'm sure there is a MUCH bigger picture that fully isn't clear yet!
Once Finn started to remember, I loved that he let himself go with Kathleen. He fully gave himself to Kathleen and took what she offered him and I cheered for them at that point.
THEN!! West does what she does and I cried, cos I wasn't sure that Finn could come back from that. He does, and I cheered again. But West puts your emotions through a wringer!!
I only really have a niggle, and it is a niggle cos I'm greedy like that! I would have liked a bit more information about what was done to Finn. We get that he is put through some vigarous mind washing, and genetic modifications, and we get all that but I wanted it in more detail. I wanted to go through that with Finn. Maybe I'm kinda twisted but I wanted to feel his pain, to fully appreciate what he's been through.
Apollo is another soldier who pops up here. I am assuming he will be next and I really hope I get to read it!
4 very VERY good stars, but very well done Ms West!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Unrivaled (Hockey Ever After #3) in Books
Mar 24, 2024 (Updated Mar 24, 2024)
so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Hockey Ever After series, and I am reading it after I read book 4. They can all read as a stand alone, the characters from previous books do pop up, but you don't need to haveread those to fully enjoy this book.
And I bloody LOVED this book! It is absolutely on a par with book 2, that got 5 stars from me, but for a very different reason. That book was very emotional, heavy on the angst scale. THIS one? Opposite end of the scale, low on the angst. Emotional, still, but different.
Max and Grady has chemistry on the ice, just the sort that the media have billed it as hatred. Grady doesn't hate Max, Max breaking Grady's arm years previously really was an accident. But when a hookup who Max thinks is a catfish usingGrady's picture turns out to be Grady, that attraction goes into overdrive. And from that very first time, both men were hooked. But they play for rival teams, can it really work when one or both could be traded and moved at a moments notice?
I loved this, I really did!
Max and Grady are perfect for each other, each with their quirks and faults that compliment the others and I fell in love with these guys right from the start.
The chemistry is powerful, and plays a huge part all the way through the book. But I found this one was a bit more fade to grey, than full on page smexy times, and I think for THESE two, it was perfect.
The hockey match descriptions, while a lot, I found I enjoyed then more because of the interaction between Max and Grady when they were on ice together. Even when they played other teams, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the technical stuff. I still have no clue how it works, but having been to an ice hockey match here in the UK, I can appreciate the SPEED these matches are played at!
The only real angst, I think, was when Grady got traded. He reacted badly to something someone said, and instead of reaching out to Max, Max bore the brunt of Grady's anger...? No, he wasn't angry, he was HURT. But Grady does redeem himself, quite wonderfully.
I have already read the short that comes after this, and I'm finding it really REALLY hard not to write in here, what happens there. So I will leave this one as this:
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Hockey Ever After series, and I am reading it after I read book 4. They can all read as a stand alone, the characters from previous books do pop up, but you don't need to haveread those to fully enjoy this book.
And I bloody LOVED this book! It is absolutely on a par with book 2, that got 5 stars from me, but for a very different reason. That book was very emotional, heavy on the angst scale. THIS one? Opposite end of the scale, low on the angst. Emotional, still, but different.
Max and Grady has chemistry on the ice, just the sort that the media have billed it as hatred. Grady doesn't hate Max, Max breaking Grady's arm years previously really was an accident. But when a hookup who Max thinks is a catfish usingGrady's picture turns out to be Grady, that attraction goes into overdrive. And from that very first time, both men were hooked. But they play for rival teams, can it really work when one or both could be traded and moved at a moments notice?
I loved this, I really did!
Max and Grady are perfect for each other, each with their quirks and faults that compliment the others and I fell in love with these guys right from the start.
The chemistry is powerful, and plays a huge part all the way through the book. But I found this one was a bit more fade to grey, than full on page smexy times, and I think for THESE two, it was perfect.
The hockey match descriptions, while a lot, I found I enjoyed then more because of the interaction between Max and Grady when they were on ice together. Even when they played other teams, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the technical stuff. I still have no clue how it works, but having been to an ice hockey match here in the UK, I can appreciate the SPEED these matches are played at!
The only real angst, I think, was when Grady got traded. He reacted badly to something someone said, and instead of reaching out to Max, Max bore the brunt of Grady's anger...? No, he wasn't angry, he was HURT. But Grady does redeem himself, quite wonderfully.
I have already read the short that comes after this, and I'm finding it really REALLY hard not to write in here, what happens there. So I will leave this one as this:
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Thicker Than Water (Redwater Demons #1) in Books
Jul 27, 2024
freaking loved this book!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right here, is what I love MOST about reviewing. I come across a blurb that I love the sound of, by an author that is new to me, and the book blows me away! I freaking LOVED this book!
Julian is a demon hunter. His latest job finds himself adopted by the demon he was sent to kill. But she's just a little girl, and he cannot. He then finds said toddler kidnapped from him, and a demon contacts him, to share custody! (I'm sorry, but that really did make me chuckle!) But as Cassius and JJ bond over Desi, pieces are being moved on the cheesboard, and it's not very clear who will come out on top.
Like I said, freaking loved this book!
I loved the jump straight in for JJ and Desi. I loved the gentle way we are told about this world and the people and demons in it. The world building is excellent, and I could keep up and follow what was being thrown at me at all times. Cass and JJ have redefined the SLOW BUILD! I love the gradual way the attraction builds between these two. It's slow and subtle, and one of them thinks/says something and its "say what now??" SOme funny moments, too.
It's violent in places. JJ bears the brunt of that but not all is on page. MUCH is implied. I liked that we don't get it all, but we get some clues as to how bad it really was.
While JJ and Cass have a slow build, when we get to the main event?? Totally fade to grey and I freaking LOVED THAT TOO!! I'm big enough to admit, I like my books on the steamy side, and I'm also big enough to admit that not all books nned to be explicit. I loved that this one was not.
Betrayal of the highest order is painful for JJ, but Cass comes to the rescue, in his true form. And I loved that there was no indication that demons in this world had another form! There is some indication who might be next, at the end of this one with a bit of the next book. Actually, it gives you the next TWO books, I hope!
This is a new to me author, at the start of a new series. Two questions I ask myself when I read new authors and starts of series: will I read more by this author?? And will I continue the series. My answers to both questions is a HELL FREAKING YES!!
I can't fault this, I really cannot.
5 full and oh-so shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book, right here, is what I love MOST about reviewing. I come across a blurb that I love the sound of, by an author that is new to me, and the book blows me away! I freaking LOVED this book!
Julian is a demon hunter. His latest job finds himself adopted by the demon he was sent to kill. But she's just a little girl, and he cannot. He then finds said toddler kidnapped from him, and a demon contacts him, to share custody! (I'm sorry, but that really did make me chuckle!) But as Cassius and JJ bond over Desi, pieces are being moved on the cheesboard, and it's not very clear who will come out on top.
Like I said, freaking loved this book!
I loved the jump straight in for JJ and Desi. I loved the gentle way we are told about this world and the people and demons in it. The world building is excellent, and I could keep up and follow what was being thrown at me at all times. Cass and JJ have redefined the SLOW BUILD! I love the gradual way the attraction builds between these two. It's slow and subtle, and one of them thinks/says something and its "say what now??" SOme funny moments, too.
It's violent in places. JJ bears the brunt of that but not all is on page. MUCH is implied. I liked that we don't get it all, but we get some clues as to how bad it really was.
While JJ and Cass have a slow build, when we get to the main event?? Totally fade to grey and I freaking LOVED THAT TOO!! I'm big enough to admit, I like my books on the steamy side, and I'm also big enough to admit that not all books nned to be explicit. I loved that this one was not.
Betrayal of the highest order is painful for JJ, but Cass comes to the rescue, in his true form. And I loved that there was no indication that demons in this world had another form! There is some indication who might be next, at the end of this one with a bit of the next book. Actually, it gives you the next TWO books, I hope!
This is a new to me author, at the start of a new series. Two questions I ask myself when I read new authors and starts of series: will I read more by this author?? And will I continue the series. My answers to both questions is a HELL FREAKING YES!!
I can't fault this, I really cannot.
5 full and oh-so shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Port in a Storm (Sinners #8) in Books
Jan 26, 2024
Connor wanted to give Forest the family he never had.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 8 in the Sinners Gin series. I would STRONGLY recommend you at least read Tequila Mockingbird (book 3 in the series) before this one. That book is how Connor and Forest came to be. The whole darn series is amazing, though, and staring at the beginning wouldn't be a bad thing :-)
Connor is a SWAT team leader and comes across Tate in a raid. The kid has had a hard life, and the name on his birth certificate is gonna cause problems. But Tate needs a home, and Connor and Forest want to give him that. Connor wants to give Forest the family he never had. They just gotta battle the courts first.
I didn't see this book coming at me in the way it did, but it absolutely came at the way it should have, you know? Nothing will ever be easy for Forest and Connor, and adding Tate to their family was no exception. But they have a huge support system in Connor's family and Forest's ever growing band family, even if some of Miki's advice is a little sketchy!
It's deeply emotional, with the feeling raging through both Connor and Forest about what to do, will they be enough, will they be allowed to bring this little boy into their family. Made me cry a time or two. I loved it.
I loved that everyone pops up, or is mentioned. It was great to catch up with the Morgan clan and all their add-ins. Especially as I thought that book 7 was going to be the last one! Are there more planned, I don't know, nor do I care, but I will read them as and when they appear.
It's been a long while since I read a Rhys Ford book, and by golly I missed her work. It took me a hot minute to get into her way with words and then I lost myself in the madness that is the Morgan clan and the Crossroads Gin guys.
OH! And the epilogue! Any chance of a cheeky short about Dude and Gaige?? That'll be fun!
But I'm left with a question that played on my mind the whole way through. As I was READING this, I heard Tristan James in my ear. The voices weren't quite right, but James' reading voice was there. Will he be narrating it, at some point?? I need him to!
So, thank you, Ms Ford, for bringing us back to these wonderful people one more time. I really do appreciate the time it took!
5 stunningly beautifully written stars
*same worded review will appear elsehwere
This is book 8 in the Sinners Gin series. I would STRONGLY recommend you at least read Tequila Mockingbird (book 3 in the series) before this one. That book is how Connor and Forest came to be. The whole darn series is amazing, though, and staring at the beginning wouldn't be a bad thing :-)
Connor is a SWAT team leader and comes across Tate in a raid. The kid has had a hard life, and the name on his birth certificate is gonna cause problems. But Tate needs a home, and Connor and Forest want to give him that. Connor wants to give Forest the family he never had. They just gotta battle the courts first.
I didn't see this book coming at me in the way it did, but it absolutely came at the way it should have, you know? Nothing will ever be easy for Forest and Connor, and adding Tate to their family was no exception. But they have a huge support system in Connor's family and Forest's ever growing band family, even if some of Miki's advice is a little sketchy!
It's deeply emotional, with the feeling raging through both Connor and Forest about what to do, will they be enough, will they be allowed to bring this little boy into their family. Made me cry a time or two. I loved it.
I loved that everyone pops up, or is mentioned. It was great to catch up with the Morgan clan and all their add-ins. Especially as I thought that book 7 was going to be the last one! Are there more planned, I don't know, nor do I care, but I will read them as and when they appear.
It's been a long while since I read a Rhys Ford book, and by golly I missed her work. It took me a hot minute to get into her way with words and then I lost myself in the madness that is the Morgan clan and the Crossroads Gin guys.
OH! And the epilogue! Any chance of a cheeky short about Dude and Gaige?? That'll be fun!
But I'm left with a question that played on my mind the whole way through. As I was READING this, I heard Tristan James in my ear. The voices weren't quite right, but James' reading voice was there. Will he be narrating it, at some point?? I need him to!
So, thank you, Ms Ford, for bringing us back to these wonderful people one more time. I really do appreciate the time it took!
5 stunningly beautifully written stars
*same worded review will appear elsehwere